On the recordFebruary 11, 2015
I thank the gentlewoman from Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join Congresswoman Terri Sewell, my good friend, and my good friend from Alabama, Martha Roby, in strong support of H.R. 431, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the foot soldiers who participated in the Selma freedom marches in March of 1965. These foot soldiers, including our colleague from Georgia, Congressman John Lewis, and the men, women, and children who marched on Bloody Sunday, Turnaround Tuesday, and in the final march from Selma to Montgomery, were met with attacks and dogs, beatings, and death along the way. But, Mr. Speaker, still they marched, as many of us will march in a few weeks, to fight for equal rights and voting rights. Mr. Speaker, let us honor the 1965 foot soldiers for their bravery and for their equality, marching for equality. I urge all Members to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 431.
